This year, we planted several bougainvillea. I love the color they add to our yard. They are small now and I can’t wait to see how much they grow in a few years. We had to replace several due to our javelina buddies who ate them.

I’m sharing several plant photos from around our yard. It’s been a very quiet week of rest, elevating and icing my foot. The pain has not been too bad post surgery. Honestly, not much has been going on this week and I’m enjoying the quiet.

We are meeting a fellow swim mom from our Palm Springs team later today who was one of my swim mom mentors. Her daughter went to ASU for college and lives nearby. The daughter was an All American collegiate swimmer and held ASU records. She and her husband had a baby recently and her mom is here to do grandma duties for her daughter’s return to work. It will be my first outing post surgery.

I always enjoy getting together with people from a former phase of my life. It seems as though no time has passed and we can reminisce about our parenting days.

The weather is beautiful and I’m loving sitting outside enjoying the sun reading, since there’s not much I can do — except for a small walk wearing my boot.

This photo was taken with me seated looking up at a mesquite tree branch.

Our fire sticks are turning bright orange. We have several plants throughout the yard. Why is it called “fire stick?” Not only does it resemble a stick on fire with its orange color, its sap is toxic and causes a burning sensation on skin and in eyes, leading to severe irritation and potential temporary blindness. I’m always careful walking by them.

I love these plants called Fairy Dusters. They do remind me of fairies. They can be light pink to a darker red like this one.

I hope you enjoyed my plant photos. Yes, I’ve seen Red but he’s staying far away in the wash behind our house. I’ve seen him where I believe their nest is in the cholla cactus.

Happy Friday! What plans do you have for the weekend?